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Multisensory stimulation as a non-pharmacological intervention for neonates undergoing painful procedures: A scoping
N Sharma1, A J Samuel1,2
1Department of Paediatric and Neonatal Physiotherapy, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala, Haryana, India.
Insights
Sweet sleep (MSS) can significantly reduce pain in newborns during painful procedures. Standardizing MSS protocols globally can improve neonatal care in intensive care units.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Pain management
- Non-pharmacological interventions
Background:
- Neonates undergoing repetitive painful procedures experience significant pain.
- Non-pharmacological interventions are crucial for managing neonatal pain.
- Massage and Suckling (MSS) is a recognized pain-relieving method.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review available evidence on the effectiveness of Massage and Suckling (MSS) practices for pain relief in neonates.
- To identify current MSS protocols and their variations in practice.
- To assess the global implementation of MSS for neonatal procedural pain.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search across PubMed/MEDLINE, SCOPUS, CINAHL, and PEDro databases.
- Inclusion of eight studies (six RCTs, two observational studies) involving 686 neonates.
- Data synthesis through quantitative and qualitative methods by two independent reviewers.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests MSS follows a similar protocol for pain relief in neonates.
- Variations exist in who administers MSS (physiotherapists, nurses, mothers).
- Studies were conducted in only three countries, indicating limited global research.
Conclusions:
- A standardized MSS protocol should be adopted globally to reduce procedural pain in neonates.
- Implementation of standardized MSS can enhance clinical practice in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
- Further research is recommended to explore standardized MSS protocols, with or without other non-pharmacological interventions.
Aim:
The aim of this review is to identify available evidence on MSS practices as a pain-relieving intervention among neonates undergoing a repetitive painful procedure.
Methods:
Searches were performed in the following databases: PubMed/ MEDLINE, SCOPUS, CINAHL, and the physiotherapy evidence database (PEDro). A total of eight studies were identified, among them; studies related to MSS in relieving neonatal procedural pain were conducted only in three countries only.
Results:
Data collected from the identified studies were extracted by two independent reviewers, and were synthesized quantitatively, and qualitatively. Eight studies involving six hundred and eighty-six neonates in three countries were identified in the search. Among them, six were randomized controlled trials, and two were observational studies. The study results highlighted that implementation of MSS as a non-pharmacological pain-relieving intervention follows a similar protocol among the reviewed articles, but varies by who administers MSS (Physiotherapists/ Nurses/Mothers) in neonates undergoing repetitive painful procedures.
Interpretation:
Standardized MSS protocol should be followed globally along with its implementation for reducing procedural pain among neonates and also to promote good clinical practice in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) settings. Future research could determine the effects of standardized MSS protocol either with or without other non-pharmacological interventions among neonates undergoing painful procedures.
